Port of San Diego Wins AAPA Lighthouse Award for Terminal Microgrid Project

The Port of San Diego's solar-powered microgrid at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT) has been recognized as a beacon of excellence by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). The annual AAPA Lighthouse Awards recognize programs and projects that stand out across the port industry. An esteemed panel of judges evaluated the Port's 2024 submission and honored the TAMT microgrid project with the Facility and Infrastructure Development Award: Excellence in Studies, Plans, and Designs.

"As we continue to deliver on our promise to advance our clean air goals, we are proud to say that we have many projects like the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal microgrid that are improving public health and enhancing the way of life for our communities and those who work on and visit our San Diego Bay waterfront," said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. "We are so honored that our work is being recognized by industry professionals and our colleagues at ports across the country."

The Port launched the TAMT Microgrid - Resiliency in Terminal Operations project in 2016 with the objective of supporting the redevelopment and electrification of TAMT by making it a modern, clean, and more efficient terminal. This cornerstone project provides renewable, reliable, and resilient power to improve operational efficiency on TAMT and advances Port emissions reductions goals.

The microgrid enhances the terminal's readiness with islanding capabilities, allowing critical infrastructure to operate independently during grid outages:

• Security infrastructure
• Jet fuel storage facility
• Terminal lighting
• Key terminal facilities to support zero emissions

The microgrid is made possible by the California Energy Commission's (CEC) Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) grant program and University of San Diego. Learn more at portofsandiego.org/microgrid.